Appliance for linear bodies



May 14, 1963 R. F. SULLlVAN APPLIANCE FOR LINEAR BODIES Filed Sept. 29, 1961 IN VEN TOR.

inter This invention pertains to appliances for suspending linear bodies, and in particular to an appliance for covering such linear bodies with a protective sheath. More specifically, the invention relates to a plastic covering which is adapted to be mounted on a suspended line, such as a guy wire which is secured at one end to a vertical member, such as a line pole, and at the other end to a ground anchoring member.

Heretofore it has been the practice to provide guy wires as well as other suspended lines and cables with a covering for purposes of protection against weather, vandalism, and the like. A still further purpose of such coverings is to provide a visual signaling device for indicating the presence of the line. This last purpose is particularly important with lines, such as guy Wires, that are mounted adjacent the ground where people are apt to bump into them. Generally these coverings are constructed of metallic or plastic substances which are impervious to the climatic conditions to which the line is subjected. The practice has been to attach a semi-cylindrical metal member to theline to provide the covering. While such coverings are satisfactory in many instances, they do have certain drawbacks which limit their practicality, for example, they must be fastened to the line by means of clamps or other similar devices. Such clamps normally require special tools and techniques to attach them to the line and are, consequently, somewhat awkward to apply in the field. Another problem inherent in some of the prior art clamps is that as a result of their particular construction they may damage the line of attachment.

For the above reasons I have invented a line covering which minimizes the aforementioned difficulties encountered with the prior art devices. Specifically, the invention may be readily installed on a line with a minimum of time and skill. Furthermore, the invention eliminates all of the constructional characteristics of the prior art devices which could possibly lead to line damage.

In one form the invention comprises an elongate tubular member having an internal diameter somewhat larger than the suspended line. The tubular member is adapted to be mounted coaxially with the line to provide the covering. The means for mounting includes a linear member which is secured at one end to the tubular member adjacent the upper end of the latter. The remaining portion of the linear member extends partially through the tubular member along the axis thereof and has been helically preshaped to a pitch and internal diameter of sufficient magnitude to permit it to be applied from the side to said suspended line without exceeding its elastic limit. A second linear member is secured to the other end of the tubular member and extends for a portion of its length through the latter along the axis thereof. The portion of the second linear member extending along the axis is helically preshaped in the same manner described with reference to the first linear member.

The invention, as described in the preceding paragraph, may be readily mounted on a line by simply placing the tubular member in a coaxial relationship with the line. The first and second linear members are wrapped around the line so as to be coextensive therewith. In this manner the tubular member is axially fixed by means of the linear members with respect to the line.

' A foremost feature and object of the invention resides in the provision of a protective covering for suspended i aterit iee lines which may be readily applied with a minimum of cost and skill.

Another feature and object of the invention resides in the provision of a plastic covering which is especially suited to be utilized in conjunction with guy wires such as those used for supporting utility line poles.

A still further feature and object of the invention resides in the provision of a covering which eliminates the necessity of clamping or similar devices which are conducive to stress concentration and chafing of the line.

A still further feature and object of the invention resides in the provision of a covering in which there are no sharp edges present and thus minimizes the possibilities of injuries resulting from collisions with the line and in which the covering presents a visual indication of the presence of the line so that such collisions may be avoided.

A still further feature and object of the invention resides in the provision of a covering which is particularly adapted to be constructed of plastic materials which are relatively inexpensive in cost, but which are impervious to weather and otherwise affords the desired protection for the line.

The above, as Well as other features and objects of the invention, will be apparent upon reading of the specification with reference to the following drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of the covering embodying the invention, as mounted on a guy wire;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary view in section of the upper portion of the covering;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary view in section of the lower portion of the covering;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along the lines 55 in FIGURE 3.

It is to be understood that the various elements of the invention may be constructed of any material having the inherent characteristics necessary for it to fulfill the purposes for which it is intended. One group of materials which may be used are the plastics, and, in particular, polyvinylchloride, which will be referred to hereinafter as PVC. It will be apparent, however, that other plastic materials. particularly those which have the desired Weathering and corrosion resistance characteristics and which are sufliciently flexible to permit application to the line without cracking, may be used. It will also be apparent that the invention may be constructed from various metals.

In the description to follow hereafter, and in the drawings, the invention is shown as being utilized in conjunc tion with a guy wire. While such use is one important purpose of the invention, it is to be understood that this is merely by way of example and in no manner to be considered as a limitation. As will be explained later on, the invention may be utilized in conjunction with other types of suspended lines, such as electrical cables and the like.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, there is shown a sectional view of the covering, embodying the invention, being generally denoted by the numeral 10. The covering it) is mounted on a guy wire 12, which is secured to its upper end to a vertical member of some type (not shown). As mentioned previously, the vertical member could comprise a telephone line pole or the like. The guy wire 12 is secured to its lower end to a ground anchoring stake 14 which is provided with an eye 16 for purposes of attaching the guy wire 12 thereto.

In the preferred form the guy wire 12 is connected to the ground anchoring stake 1 by means of a helically formed dead end 18. It will be noted that other forms of clamping devices may be used where desired. The dead aosaaev end 18 is composed of a body-gripping portion 29 and a bight portion 22. In essence the dead end 18 is constructed from a half lay of helically preformed elements of mutually conforming pitch and internal diameter. The half lay is return bent on itself so that the return bent legs are in opposing relationship. In this manner the legs may be intertwisted to form a self-supporting tubular envelope. Where the internal diameter of the helical elements are less than the external diameter to the line of application, which would be the guy wire 12 in this instance, the body gripping portion 2t tightly embraces the lines. As a matter of fact, the body gripping portion 29 may embrace the lines so as to exceed the tensile strength of the latter. The gripping characteristics of the body gripping portion 24 may be enhanced by the utilization of abrasive materials, such as sand, aluminum oxide, metal shot, or the like. Examples of the dead ends are shown in the patent to Peterson, bearing No. 2,761,273, issued September 4, 1956, entitled Dead End for Cables.

As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, the bight portion 22 is looped thrugh the eye 16 of the ground anchor stake 14. In this manner the guy wire 12 is securely attached to the ground anchor stake 14.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, it can be seen that the covering lit is composed of a tubular member 36, having an internal diameter substantially greater than the overall diameter of the guy wire I2. The tubular member is of considerable length, and in those instances where it is applied to a guy wire will extend at least head-height from the ground. In fact, the tubular member 38 will generally extend above the human reach in order to prevent access to the guy wire 12. As a result of the relatively large diameter there are no sharp edges which might lead to serious injury in the event of collision with the line.

The tubular member Stl, in one preferred form is provided with a slit 31 extending from end to end to permit access thereto and to facilitate installation. As mentioned previously, the tubular member 39 may be constructed of heavy plastic stock, such as PVC, which is sufiiciently rigid to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized removal from the guy wire 12. In many instances it will be desirable to use material which has a color that contrasts with the surroundings so that the presence of the line is made apparent. In this manner a warning signal is provided so that collisions may be avoided.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the tubular member 3% is attached to the guy wire 12 at its upper end by means of the linear element 32. The linear element 32 is secured at one end 34- to the upper end of the covering 3% by any suitable means. The remaining portion 36 of the linear member 32 has been helically preshaped to a suificient pitch and internal diameter to permit application to the guy wire 12. For purposes of reference, the patents to Peterson, Nos. 2,275,019; 2,5 87,- 521 and 2,609,653 are noted as disclosing helically preshaped elements which may be applied to suspended linear 'bodies. In the event that the tubular member is to extend above the normal human reach, it may be desirable to form the linear element to an internal diameter somewhat larger than the guy wire 12, in order that the covering may be applied from the ground. In this manner the portion 36 may be applied within arms reach of the ground and then slid along the line to facilitate assembly of the lower end of the tubular member to the guy wire and ground anchor.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, there is shown the covering assembled at its lower end to the guy wire 12 and ground anchor stake 14. A linear element 49 is fastened at one end 42 by any suitable means adjacent'the lower end of the tubular member 30. The linear member 46 is helically preshaped throughout the portion 44 adjacent its other end to a pitch and internal diameter of sufiicient magnitude to permit application to the suspended guy wire 12. Since the helically formed portion 44 must embrace the body gripping portion 29 of the dead end 18, as well as the guy wire 12, it must be of a somewhat larger internal diameter than the portion as of the element 32. It is to be understood, however, that in some instances the body gripping portion 26 may be sufiiciently short relative to the element til so that the helically formed portion 44 can embrace the guy wire 12 directly. In those cases the internal diameter of the helically shaped portion 14 will be sinr'lar to that of the portion 36 of the linear element 32, although the former should generally tight-1y grip the line whereas the latter may not, as was mentioned previously.

The linear element is threaded through the eye 16 of the ground anchor stake 44 and return bent as shown in FIGURE 3. The return bent leg, which includes the helically formed porttion 44, is forced back into the tubular member 3% so as to be substantially coaxial therewith. The helically formed portion 4d is wrapped from the side around the body gripping portion 20 of the dead end 18. In the preferred embodiment the internal diameter of the helically formed portion 4a is substantially less than the overall diameter of the body gripping portion 29, so that the former tightly grips latter.

The protective covering 10, as described in preceding paragraphs, may be readily applied to the guy wire 12 as will be described hereinafter. The first step comprises prying open the covering 3d and removing the helically formed portion 36 of the linear member 32. The helically formed portion is then wrapped around the guy wire, as shown in FIGURE 1. The guy wire is then forced into the tubular member 36 for a portion of its length adjacent its upper end. If the internal diameter of the helically formed portion 36 is greater than the overall diameter of the guy wire 12, the former, along with the tube, may be slid upwardly until the lower end of the latter is coincident with the end of the guy wire. At that point the linear member 4t) is threaded through the eye 16 and return bent so as to assume the shape of a hairpin. The helically formed portion 44 is then wrapped around the body gripping portion 20. The tubular member 3% is then pried open so that the remainder of the guy wire and dead end may be inserted, as shown in FIGURE 3. Since the helically formed portion 44- tightly embraces the body gripping portion 20, the entire covering assembly 10 is axially fixed on the guy wire 12 by the ground anchor stake 14.

As mentioned previously, the covering ltl may be utilized in conjunction with suspensions other than the guy wire shown in the drawings. For example, the covering could be used on an electric line which is secured to some suspension means, such as a drop-wire hanger or a pin type insulator. In those cases, the only difference would be that the linear member 40 is wrapped around or lashed to the suspension means so as to axially fix the covering with respect to the line.

In instances where the covering is applied to a line which is subject to vibrations, the subject invention has a still further feature of the prior art. The prior art clamps generally have relatively rigid clamping members which prevent vibration. As a result they induce a point of stress concentration in the line which is conducive to fatigue failure. The preshaped helices, on the other hand, are flexible and allow the vibrations to pass through. In this manner the preshaped helices minimize, if not eliminate, stress concentration.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the covering 10 may be utilized without securing it to some point, such as the ground anchor stake or suspension means. In those instances the linear members at both ends would be substantially identical to that shown in the upper end in FIG- URES 1 and 2 of the drawing. Thus, the linear elements would be attached to the respective ends of the tubular member, then the wrapping would be put directly around the line of attachment.

mwr;

it can now be seen that the subject invention provides a covering which is of a simple construction and which may be readily installed with a minimum of time and skill, and without the use of tools. Moreover, the invention utilizes the advantages of helically preformed elements in that they minimize stress concentration and chafing in those instances where vibration of the line is encountered.

Although certain specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described hereinabove, it is to be understood that this is merely by Way of example and in no manner to be considered a limitation. It will be apparent that certain modifications may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is claimed:

1. A covering for a suspended line comprising a tubular member having an internal diameter at least as large as the overall diameter of said suspended line, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member having one end secured to said tubular member at a point spaced from said first linear member and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, said linear members being helically preshaped to a pitch and internal diameter of sufficient magnitude to permit them to be applied from the side to said suspended line without exceeding their elastic limits.

2. A covering for a suspended line comprising a tubular member having an internal diameter somewhat larger than said suspended line, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member return bent intermediate its ends to form first and second leg members with an intermediate bight portion, said sec ond linear member being mounted within said tubular member so that said bight portion projects therefrom, said first leg member being secured to said tubular memher, said second leg member being helically preformed similar to said first linear member.

3. A covering for a line secured to means for suspending the same comprising a tubular member having an internal diameter larger than said suspended line, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member return bent intermediate its ends to form first and second leg members with an intermediate bight portion, said second linear member being mounted within said tubular member so that said bight portion projects therefrom, said first leg member being secured to said tubular member, said second leg member being helically preformed similar to said first leg member whereby said bight portion may be looped around said suspending means for axially fixing said tubular member relative to said line.

4. A covering for a line secured to means for suspending the same comprising a tubular member having an internal diameter larger than said suspended line, said tubular member being longitudinally slit from end to end to provide access to the interior thereof, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member return bent intermediate its ends to form first and second leg members with an intermediate bight portion, said second linear member being mounted Within said tubular member so that said bight portion projects from the other end thereof, said first leg member being secured to said tubular member, said second leg member being helically preformed similar to said first leg member, whereby said bight portion may be looped around said suspending means for axially fixing said tubular member relative to said line.

5. In a guy wire construction secured at one end to a vertical member and at the other end to means for anchoring it, the combination comprising a suspended line and a tubular member having an internal diameter larger than said suspended line, said tubular member being longitudinally slit from end to end to provide access to the interior thereof, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member return bent intermediate its ends to form first and second leg members with an intermediate bight portion, said second linear member being mounted within said tubular member so that said bight portion projects therefrom, said first leg member being secured to said tubular member, said second leg member being helically preformed similar to said first leg member, whereby said bight portion may be looped around said anchoring means for axially fixing said tubular member relative to said line.

6. The combination comprising a suspended guy wire secured at one end to a vertical member and at the other end to the ground anchor stake having an eye at one end, a tubular member having an internal diameter larger than said suspended wire, said tubular member being longitudinally slit from end to end to provide access to the interior thereof, a first linear member having one end secured to said tubular member adjacent one end thereof and extending partially through said tubular member along the axis thereof, a second linear member return bent intermediate its ends to form first and second leg members with an intermediate bight portion, said second linear member being mounted within said tubular member so that said bight portion projects therefrom, said first leg member being secured to said tubular member, said second leg member being helically preformed similar to said first leg member, said bight portion being looped through said eye for axially fixing said tubular member relative to said guy wire.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,627,423 Bierce May 3, 1927 2,020,860 Touborg Nov. 12, 1935 3,051,278 Smythe Aug. 28, 1962 

1. A COVERING FOR A SUSPENDED LINE COMPRISING A TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING AN INTERNAL DIAMETER AT LEAST AS LARGE AS THE OVERALL DIAMETER OF SAID SUSPENDED LINE, A FIRST LINEAR MEMBER HAVING ONE END SECURED TO SAID TUBULAR MEMBER ADJACENT ONE END THEREOF AND EXTENDING PARTIALLY THROUGH SAID TUBULAR MEMBER ALONG THE AXIS THEREOF, A SECOND LINER MEMBER HAVING ONE END SECURED TO SAID TUBULAR MEMBER AT A POINT SPACED FROM SAID FIRST 